Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he sponsored to provide critical relief to flood victims living at Underwood Estates in Plattsburgh passed the Assembly (A.9814).

“The folks of Underwood Estates have seen their homes destroyed and are dealing with losses that feel insurmountable,” Jones said. “This legislation would help ensure they have the resources they need to recover in the face of devastation and begin to move forward.”

Currently, victims of flooding who live in a mobile home are only eligible to receive relief through the state’s Homes and Community Renewal Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program if they own both the mobile home and the land it is placed on. Jones’ legislation would amend this oversight to allow residents who lease their land to be eligible to replace or repair their home.

The bill comes in response to recent flooding caused by an ice jam on the Saranac River that left southern parts of Plattsburgh, most notably in Underwood Estates, severely damaged. The flood displaced 70 families and left many homes completely destroyed.1 Assemblyman Jones worked with Senator Little and the Executive to craft the new legislation after touring the affected communities.2

___________________________________________